Lloyds Auctions

ACME P-38 BELLY TANKER 1:18 SCALE

When it comes to land speed racing, aerodynamics is everything. Cheating the air is the only cheating allowed in this gentleman’s motorsport, which dates back as far as hot rodding itself. After the second world war, creative racers would look to the aircraft industry for new ideas, and among these came the use of surplus aircraft fuel tanks, better known as belly tanks, which would typically be fastened beneath the wings of long distance aircraft. With hot rod suspension and powerful V8 motors, the belly tank racer became synonymous with Bonneville and California’s dry lakes.

ACME Diecast have immortalised the belly tanker with this 1:18 scale representation of the iconic race cars. You’ll be impressed with the nostalgic four carb flathead V8, a popular choice in the late 40s and 50s, detailed with pulleys and belts and fuel lines feeding from a Moon-style fuel tank. The lift off metal body panel features real louvres and the body sits low over traditional hair pins and I-beam suspension. The removable windscreen reveals accurate gauges, seat belts and cockpit detailing. The P-38 livery and period nose art is a tribute to the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a unique American military aircraft developed for dive bombing, night fighting and as a long-range escort fighter.